Ski Patrol
Top tips for hitting the slopes
VERMONT’S GREEN MOUNTAINS in the northeastern United States is a popular skiing destination, especially for Torontonians and Quebecers. From the Burlington, Vt., airport, ski resorts such as Killington, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen and Stowe are a one-hour drive through cosy New England towns or an alternate mountain route along Interstate 89. And they all offer Learn to Ski programs – for all ages ( www.skivermont.com). According to Susan Rodetis, instructor at Sugarbush, it’s never too late to take up – or revisit – the sport. “I’ve taught a 70plus grandfather who was a firsttimer, who wanted to ski with his grandkids. I saw him again on skis that season.” Here’s how to enjoy the sport on and off the slopes.
Train for it “Lower body strength is pivotal to ski ability,” says Blair Larsen, personal training director at Toronto’s Adelaide Club, “especially as the shaped skis always want to be on edge. One must have the strength and co-ordination to control them.” Another major factor is torso and back strength, he adds. “Being able to counter-rotate to set up your next turn helps greatly.” Leg presses and extensions, heel and toe raises, squats, seated or standing torso rotations and wobble board squats can help boost your lower body’s power.
Get tech support Technology of the ski has changed for the better, from a longer narrower shaped ski to a shorter more aerodynamic design, which makes it easier to turn. This enables new skiers and those getting back on the skis after a period of time to adapt more easily and, for novices, it means no more frustration over not being able to turn and stop.
Get the right fit If ski boots are too tight, there’s potential to suffer bone bruises or lose circulation in the toes. In Killington, a quick 10-minute drive from Killington Ski Resort, Surefoot is a ski boot store that provides custom-fit ski boots with onehour service. A foam-injected custom liner is placed inside the boot. This means a more comfortable boot that allows greater circulation as well as improved ability and balance. Tim Kevin, boot fitter at Basin Sports in Killington, believes custom ski boots are the way to go but, if you’re not buying but renting, “We can put in foot aids that can be taped in for the weekend and pulled out.” Never wear a boot that doesn’t feel comfortable – you may end up off the skis and on ice for the balance of your ski day. www.surefoot.com; www.basinski.com
Know your limits and get a coach A challenging route commands concentration. Fatigue can set in easily and that means you may end up falling a few times. With an instructor there, spotting and coach- ing, you’ll cross the finish line.
Switch it up but still hit the slopes Trade in the skis for snowshoes. Many resorts offer snowshoeing excursions, for example, the oneand-a-half-hour low-impact night hike up Mount Ellen to Allyn’s Lodge on Gadd Peak. Afterwards, simply take the ride back down in the Cabin Cat gondola.
And don’t forget to fuel up Artisanal cheese and organic farmto-table cuisine are all staples at the local restaurants and ski resorts. Try the cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill or sample the coffee roasts at Green Mountain Coffee Cafe and Visitor Center in the Waterbury historic train station.
Get motivated by the knowledge that if you never give up on something you love, you can truly climb mountains. And ski down them, too. —Cherie DeLory